Skills and Qualities of a Great Coach

Coaches come from a variety of backgrounds and possess a range of qualities and experiences from which they develop their coaching skills and unique coaching styles.

Coaches then adapt these qualities to the specific needs of the performers with whom they work. Yet, in spite of such individual approaches to coaching, it is possible to identify certain skills and attributes that underpin effective coaching. For example, all coaches need to:

• communicate effectively with performers to ascertain their needs and ambitions, relay information and provide constructive feedback
• plan and organise sessions and programmes to meet performers' needs and guide their development
• analyse and evaluate performance (their own and that of their performers) to gauge and direct progress
• create a safe environment in which the well-being of the performer is paramount
• be open-minded in developing their coaching skills and knowledge. This is perhaps the most important attribute of good coaches: the ability and willingness to evaluate their own skills and knowledge, and constantly work to develop and improve them.

Curious? We have lots of tips, advice, many inspiring case studies and resources in our coaching section!

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Source + image: (UK Coaching, 2018)